Its existence has been acknowledged by scientists for decades, but the National Geographic Society is hoping formal recognition of the Southern Ocean as the world’s fifth ocean will shine a
much-needed spotlight on the conservation of the region.
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The body of water encircling Antarctica is unique and therefore deserving of its own name, says the non-profit, which made the official recognition on World Oceans Day on Tuesday.
Since it began making maps in 1915, National Geographic has recognised four oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic
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What is the Southern Ocean?
The Southern Ocean constitutes “most of the waters that surround Antarctica out to 60 degrees south latitude”, the organisation says. Geographers have debated whether the waters had enough characteristics to deserve their own name.
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“The Southern Ocean has long been recognised by scientists, but because there was never agreement internationally, we never officially recognised it,” National Geographic Society geographer Alex Tait says in an article published on its website.
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